https://lnkd.in/d2npkgGS
Applause to Mads Kikkenborg for talking about his first experiences abroad. A lot of his colleagues experience these challenges at an even earlier age (16-20). Neither the players nor their parents are aware of the social challenges that will hit them, when they close their apartment door after training every day. It will hit hard.
My hope is that stakeholders (agents, club selling, club buying) in the football industry will soon start to support the players at a personal level off the pitch. It will be good for both performance and the mental health of the human being.
Stress factors on the pitch (are inevitable and a part of the game):
Significantly higher sporting level.
Tougher competition from fellow players.
A new locker room without a group of friends.
High expectations from the buying club, fans, family, friends, agent.
A lot of new routines in relation to matchdays and training.
Stress factors off the pitch (are just as many but can be handled by support):
Many hours alone - not freedom but for many an "enemy".
Lack of structure in the new everyday life.
Doubts, loneliness, dissatisfaction.
“100” practical things to solve.
New language and culture.
Integration of a partner and children.
A lot of people ask me why the club selling a player should invest in player support? Well, the club selling a player will raise their possibility to get their performance bonusses. And if a club has a good track record (their players are successful on the pitch) it will make the club able to ask higher transfer prices in general.
Please remember there is a human being behind every athlete🙏